It has all the makings of riveting television: Moshe Weiss, an irrepressible St. Paul rabbi turned iPad-accessory inventor, going up against Mark Cuban and other cutthroat panelists during a recent recording of the business-themed reality show, "Shark Tank."

What on Earth went down?

Weiss, inventor of an iPad audio amplifier called the Sound Bender, wouldn't say. He is supposed to remain mum until after the episode airs on Feb. 1.

But Weiss, described as "a charming rabbi" in ABC Television Network promo materials, said appearing on "Shark Tank" is a thrill.

"It is a tremendous blessing to have this opportunity," he said. "I have always been a big fan of the show. It is the best reality show on television."

Episodes of "Shark Tank" feature an assortment of entrepreneurs seeking investment for their businesses or products. The panelists, consisting of business executives and successful entrepreneurs, are in a position to provide such a cash infusion -- provided they like what they hear.

Often they don't.

Weiss' "Shark Tank" appearance isn't a make-or-break for him. He got his business off the ground last year in part with two successful Kickstarter crowd-funding campaigns (after a failed one in late 2011).

His Sound Bender accessory consists of a cupped clip-on piece that fits over one of the iPad's speakers to augment its somewhat anemic audio.

Weiss, a sort of Steve Jobs with a beard and yarmulke, has been relentless in marketing his product during challenging economic times.
He said he is making headway. The Sound Bender is now being sold in 350 Walgreens around the country with, he predicted, more to come. The $9 product also is available on Amazon.com and eBay.

He said he has sold about 18,000 Sound Benders so far.

Weiss notes that his episode will air on a Friday. That's when he observes the Sabbath, and therefore won't be able to watch the show live.

"The rest of America will (see it) before I do," Weiss said. "That is the perfect ending to this story."

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Opinions and Comments

1

Kol hakavod

Always wondered who was going to be the first Lubavitcher to appear on the show.

(2/1/2013 1:02:09 PM)

2

Question?

Did you speak to Barbara before so that if you end up making a deal with her she would know not to shake your hand?

(2/1/2013 1:05:16 PM)

3

love it

love shark tank and love the pitch!

(2/1/2013 1:07:40 PM)

4

RabbI Weiss

You are amazing. Keep it up. When i saw this article a huge smile came up on my face.

From a old bochur at yeshiva high school of twin cities.

(2/1/2013 1:09:11 PM)

5

Brilliant!!!

But won't Apple shut him down, like the everlasting lightbulb was a non-starter? Did he get the backing? They seemed interested. Perhaps he should have pitched it to Apple first.

(2/1/2013 1:10:14 PM)

6

GREAT!

I love this show and this was one of the best presentations I have ever seen :)

(2/1/2013 1:13:49 PM)

7

Awesome. 26

26% is for ùí äîôøù Love it

(2/1/2013 1:26:21 PM)

8

episode

which episode was this?

(2/1/2013 1:28:10 PM)

9

I'll invest with him!

I'll give you the $50K!

(2/1/2013 1:41:58 PM)

10

to #5

Not necessarily. I believe his product is patented. There have been other very successful Apple product add-ons that Apple has even accepted into their Mac stores. i.e. the Nano Watch.

(2/1/2013 1:54:14 PM)

11

To #9

Cash isn't always what people go on that show for. It's connections and exposure.

(2/1/2013 2:15:58 PM)

12

Dallasite

Stay away from my balebatim, Mark Cuban is mine!

(2/1/2013 2:19:13 PM)

13

12.99?

He sells it on Amazon for 9.85....

(2/1/2013 2:59:34 PM)

14

Shark tank is amazing!

BEST SHOW EVER!!

(2/1/2013 3:51:32 PM)

15

LOVE

IT!!!

(2/1/2013 3:56:46 PM)

16

i love shark tank

haha this is funny!

(2/1/2013 4:38:52 PM)

17

Great presentation...

I have a job in sales, and I've read lots of books and taken training on how to give a good pitch. I must say however, this is the greatest pitch I've ever seen. It incorporates within it every component of a perfect sales pitch, and it looks like it was very well practiced. Good job Mendy!

(2/1/2013 4:42:42 PM)

18

He got a deal!!

with daymond... go rabbi!

(2/2/2013 7:52:11 PM)

19

made a deal

He made a deal with one of them

(2/2/2013 9:29:20 PM)

20

He got it!

He's the only one that got a deal with an investor on the entire episode! Hatzoocha!

(2/2/2013 10:11:45 PM)

21

Shliach

Good he didn't cut a deal with Robert herjavec,he's my Baal haboss!!!

(2/3/2013 1:14:39 AM)

22

I love

His spunk. I hope he makes whatever he's aiming for. Check out his garb. Called himslef rabbi and dressed like one.

(2/3/2013 1:43:33 AM)

23

that is awsome!!

I love shark tank and it's amazing to see a shliach using this awsome resource!!

(2/3/2013 11:00:10 PM)

24

54k for 26% stake

54k = 3 times Chai 26% = Hashem's Name :)

(2/4/2013 5:08:32 AM)

25

awsome

cool

(2/5/2013 10:11:04 PM)

26

clayton

how do i invest? call me 1 604 846 2886

(2/6/2013 1:37:37 AM)

27

bochur

I bought one on his website www.thesoundbender.com and its really amazing!